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The Road Surface Treatments Association (RSTA) has appointed Mike Harper as their new Chief Executive from 1st January 2019. Harper takes over as Dr Howard Robinson steps down after nearly 10 years in the role, during which time the RSTA has grown to represent 87 member companies that provide surface treatments and techniques to maximise the service life of UK roads.

Harper said: “Howard has very much become the figurehead of the RSTA over the last decade and has represented the interests of our members with many of the major highways client bodies. The RSTA provides quality guidance and impartial advice as well as training hundreds of highways engineers every year throughout the UK, and I look forward to leading the organisation as we continue to support our clients and members.

“The role of surface treatments is key as highway authorities strive to maximise their maintenance budgets through asset management and seek to take on board the new guidance in the “Well Managed Highways” code of practice. The RSTA provides help and support for a wide range of pavement repair and protection techniques to stretch those scarce financial resources whilst maintaining a safe highway network.”

Harper has 30 years experience in highways materials and joins the RSTA from materials specialists GCP Applied Technologies (formerly Stirling Lloyd) where he headed their highways activities. He has been active with the RSTA for the last 8 years on numerous committees, working groups and industry events, previously holding positions as a sector chairman (high friction surfacing), RSTA chairman in 2015, a former RSTA director and is the current Chief Technical Officer.

Dr Robinson said: “Mike and I have worked closely together over the last 8 years and Mike’s appointment as CEO from January provides a seamless handover for our members and clients in the many committees and working groups that we support. I wish him every success in the role”.

RSTA chairman, Kevin Amos from Eurovia, added: “On behalf of myself and the executive committee we are delighted to appoint Mike to continue driving the RSTA forward and having him in place immediately, alongside Howard until the end of the year, will ensure continuity for our clients and members”.